Thresholds’ Response to Governor Pritzker’s 2025 Budget Address
Chicago, IL – This afternoon, Governor Pritzker delivered the 2025 State of the State and Budget Address, outlining his administration’s funding and policy priorities for the next fiscal year. With many topics covered, the Governor continued to emphasize the importance of fiscal responsibility during lean budget times.
As one of the largest and oldest providers of behavioral healthcare in Illinois, Thresholds was encouraged to see that improving access to affordable healthcare and behavioral health was a major theme in the Governor’s speech.
Building on last year’s Healthcare Protection Act, which took on abusive insurance company practices, the administration will champion legislation to prohibit insurers from blocking access to behavioral healthcare through prior authorizations. Additionally, the administration will advocate for legislation to lower the cost of prescription drugs and expand medical debt relief.
While some behavioral health services receive a modest increase in the proposed budget, these small increases do not keep pace with the rising cost of services and the demand for investment in the behavioral health workforce.
Illinois has made great strides in funding behavioral health, and we are committed to continuing that progress. The state’s continued commitment and investment in Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs) ensures access to coordinated and comprehensive behavioral health care for all Illinoisans. Furthermore, the state is proposing a permanent funding source for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, which will provide critical support and resources for individuals in crisis.
The Governor stressed the damage that will be done to Illinoisans who are at risk of losing health insurance coverage, food assistance and other safety-net services under ongoing federal threats to cut Medicaid and other programs. He urged lawmakers, providers, and advocates to fight to prevent these cuts.
The proposed budget does not fund the Health Benefits for Immigrant Adults program, which allows healthcare coverage for undocumented individuals between the ages of 42-64. We are disappointed by this – healthcare is a human right irrespective of immigration status.
While the Governor proposed reforms to improve affordable housing stock, funding was not increased for those with very low incomes, leaving them at risk. The Department of Children and Family Services received a significant proposed increase, demonstrating the administration’s commitment to uplifting Illinois’ most vulnerable youth.
Despite these positive steps, there is still much work to be done to ensure that all Illinoisans have access to the resources and support they need. Thresholds looks forward to working with the administration and the General Assembly on many of the policy proposals outlined in the Governor’s State of the State address.
We are committed to creating access to mental health and substance use care, supportive housing, and other critical human services. In collaboration with our partners and other advocates state-wide, we will continue fighting to address racial inequity and poverty, providing home, health, and hope across Illinois.